G O D D E S S B R O W

Winters are fun – but not for your skin. Cold weather and the low humidity levels make the air dry and all this steals the moisture away from your skin every second of the day. If proper care is not taken, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding. The harsh winter winds can amplify your skin problems. Additionally, the indoor heating systems rob the air of its moisture. Further, hot showers and baths as well as harsh cleansers take a toll on your skin. To combat these effects and keep your skin looking youthful and smooth, you need to do more than mere moisturizing. Here are a few tips to reduce chapping, redness, itching and keep the skin healthy and youthful this winter:

Lukewarm water is the trick: Even though hot showers feel good in winter, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping oil from your skin.

Moisturize immediately: Your skin needs to be moisturized immediately after you wash it. It seals the dampness into the skin.

Choose your moisturizer carefully: Some of the over the counter moisturizers have petroleum based ingredients that can further dry the skin. Choose moisturizers that have natural nourishing ingredients. Go for oil based rather than water based solutions. It will help your skin retain moisture.

Protect: Wear gloves and scarves to protect your skin from cold wind, rain and snow. Don’t forget the sunscreen – winter sun could be as damaging as the summer sun!Humidify: Consider installing a humidifier in your home. This prevents the dry air from affecting your skin.

Drink: We tend to turn to hot drinks like cocoa and tea during winter – but your skin needs its regular hydration that can be achieved only by drinking lots of water.Overnight moisturize: Especially at night, use a moisturizer and wear cotton gloves and socks to seal the moisturizer till morning.

Exfoliate: An exfoliating mask is good for the winters. Apply it liberally on your face and hands as well as gently on your lips. You must follow immediately with moisture and truly see a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes could also be useful.

Hydrate from the inside out: It’s a good idea to eat foods that are high in water content. These kinds of food hydrate your skin from the inside out. Watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Along with this, ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin.

Check your cleanser: After cleansing, make sure that you don’t leave the skin naked for more than 30 seconds, as this can dehydrate it, leading to increased dryness. Apply a hydrating toner and moisturizer that appropriately seals in moisture.

Other than all of the above, homemade hydrating masks can provide you with the much needed moisture in the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe.

Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.

The most commonly used beauty product and the one that is most commonly experimented with is the mascara. Highlighting the eyes with the perfect mascara is what every woman wants to do right. It makes you feel beautiful and feel good! Every day you apply a lash curler and black mascara before you leave home. However, these basic lashes take up most of the morning time. For special occasions too, many times we use false lash strips just for that extra volume and length. But no matter how great they look, they are always a pain to apply.

Lash extensions are also of no great use. They are however more useful than messing around with the mascara. Although they give your eyes a great look, using curlers and mascara does have an ongoing maintenance and expense along with it.

This is exactly why many women today prefer lash lifts. The traditional lash perm method required natural lashes to be wrapped around a sponge rod which can actually make lashes look short with inconsistent curls. Lash Lift is different.

The process is simple. It begins with a protective pad to cover the under eye and hold down the bottom lashes. Curved silicone pads are glues to the eyelid and the top lashes are lifted and glued to the bump on the pad. When the lashes are lifted and glued to the pad, the perm solution is applied to the roots of the lashes. This solution is a bright red gel so that the artist can see where it is applied.

This gel is allowed to stay for 10 minutes and you will be given a mask to help you with the terrible smell of the gel. After wiping off the red perm gel, a blue setting gel is applied in the same manner.

After 10 mins, the setting gel is removed and oil is applied to break down the glue and remove the silicone pads. Finally, the entire area is wiped and thoroughly cleaned before you open your eyes.

Remember to keep your eyes dry for the next 24 hours! Two days later, you will have to return for a simple lash tint process that takes not more than 20 minutes.

After that you can leave home without fussing around with the curler and mascara – every day!

It’s a hard fact that over plucking the eyebrows can lead to thinning of the eyebrow and decrease it’s growth. Plucking one eyebrow, then the other and then going back to the first takes a toll on your eyebrows and their growth is hampered. With too thin or shady eyebrows, it’s very difficult to look your best. Because eyebrows are something that adds to the beauty, some people resort to a number of thickening techniques with dark pencils and artificial eyebrows. However, it’s good to know that there are a number of easy and natural means to grow eyebrows too. One of the tried and effective methods is using rosemary oil for re-growth.

Fuller and thicker eyebrows are becoming a popular style these days. This is mainly because such eyebrows can make you look younger and healthier. Sadly, not every one of us is blessed with thick eyebrows. There are many things that may lead to thin and scanty eyebrows. Some factors include – over culling, hormonal issues, vitamin deficiency and even hair loss due to prolonged use of medicines or increasing age. All these factors individually or collectively influence the composition and the thickness of the eyebrows.

Research has shows that rosemary oil – an essential oil is a good – natural way to re-grow eyebrows. Thin eyebrows are an indicator of nutritional deficiency, improper immune system or even aging. Nourishment can also be provided with the rosemary oils as well.

Here’s how using rosemary oil for growth of eyebrows:

It can be massaged gently over the eyebrows for a couple of times a day for quickening of growth.

Rosemary oil can be mixed with sesame oil and lemon juice. This mix can then be applied on the eyebrows with a cotton swab. You can repeat this twice a day. The mixture can also be rinsed after it has dried.

Sometimes, eyebrow thinning is caused by drying follicles. Dry skin has a tough time retaining the hair. Massage some rosemary oil over the dry skin to help nourish it. In addition to nourishment, the rosemary oil can also help stimulate growth.

Rosemary oil massage is definitely worth a try!

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Like the shape of your face and color of your eyes, each eyebrow is also unique. Some are thin and some are thick some are straight and some are heavily arched. Understanding your natural eyebrows are important and avoiding the most common mistakes are even more important!

Here are some of the top brow mistakes you can avoid:

Removing brow hair using a magnifying mirror

Being able to see every single eyebrow hair is not important. A magnifying glass usually causes over plucking and could lead to bald spots in your eyebrows!

Shaping eyebrows after they are professionally done

Trying to maintain your eyebrows between visits seems like a good idea. However, many are unsure about the amount of hair to be plucked or removed. Over plucking could completely ruin the shape of the eyebrow which is difficult to fix later o. So, don’t try to fix something yourself – get professional help!

Removing too many hair between the brows

Getting rid of the uni-brow effect by yourself might lead to over plucking and could ruin the shape of your brows. Try to hold a pencil vertically across the nose to get an idea of how much you need to pluck. Use it as a guide.

Now maintaining brows while growing them out

While you wait for over plucked eyebrows to grow, make sure that you use brow makeup to create the desired shape. After they grow, you can get them professionally shaped.

Using the wrong brush with brow products

Having the right tools is of great help. Wrong brushes can lead to unnatural lines.Filling the brows with too dark pencils

Using too dark pencils could give a harsh look to the eyebrows. Using a dark brown pencil instead of brown gives a much more flattering look to your eyebrows.

Not using brow measurements

Never use guess work when filling your eyebrows – always use measurement. Outline the shape and then fill it carefully.

Skipping brow gel

The finishing touches are important. They help keep the eye brows in place and give them a groomed appearance. Use the right gel – do not skip this step!

Thinking brows should be identical

Brows are sisters – not twins. So, give them similar shapes don’t worry about identical. Make each brow perfect!

​Whether you are looking for eyebrow threading, eyebrow embroidery, HD eyebrows, eyebrow tattoos or eyebrow feathering, Contact me for further information or to book your appointment on maryam@maryamcollahi.com

Admit it or not, we all have had at least one eyebrow disaster and the shapes and sizes of our eyebrows kept changing each time we used a plucker or tweezers. When an eyebrow disaster strikes, there’s only one thing to think of – what now? Here’s what you could do in this case:

1.Let your eyebrows grow back completely before shaping or grooming

Do not be let down by an eye brow disaster, because there are ways to fix it! Well, the very first step is to leave your eyebrows alone – at least for some time and let them grow as much as possible. It’s important to stay patient and resistant to the urge to wax, thread or pluck.

2.Use a fine pencil or powder to fill in the sparse areas

In order to fill out bald spots in eyebrows, you can use a thin pencil or powder. Both of these tools are precise and natural looking. During the summer, powder is a better pick as the skin tends to get moist from the humidity. During winters, a waxy pencil can create the same effect.

When you are ready to groom again, go to a pro, who will shape your brows without removing too much hair If you have been patient and have let your hair grow again, it’s important to let a professional artist groom it for you.

3.Step back from the mirror

It’s important to understand that you must stand at least two feet away from the mirror and map the exact path that you need to remove the hair from. You will need to pick the hair that you can see from that far.

4.Microblading can be a great option for sparse eyebrows

Microblading is an excellent option for filling in eyebrows. When your brow hairs no longer seem to grow, microblading is a semi permanent way to fill them. The process uses a small blade to deposit colored pigment just under the skin’s surface. The results can last up to a year or even longer. Getting it done from a professional ensures that you get attractive results in the end.

Learn more about Microblading, Eyebrow Threading, Permanent Makeup, Bridal Makeup & more from Vancouver's very own Eyebrow Goddess.

Unless you are blessed with a pair of chic eyebrows, you might want to up your brow game and pick one of the brow-enhancing techniques given below:

TintingBrow tinting uses dye to create a fuller effect. It is recommended to find a brow specialist who uses vegetable dyes. Natural options are always better than chemical when it comes to tinting. Tinting is a good option for those who already have pretty good eyebrows but would simply like to amp up the intensity without having to touch up every day. Tinting is also perfect for fixing minor shaping errors.

ExtensionsYou can get extensions for your eyebrows too! The aesthetician uses synthetic hair and individually attaches them to with a skin safe adhesive. This helps create fuller eyebrows. When done correctly, it appears completely natural. The results are truly three dimensional.

PencilPencils are a very common and an age old technique for enhancing the shape of your eyebrows. Using an eyebrow pencil is simple, low maintenance and allows users to experiment until they are happy with the shape of their new brows.

PomadeSimilar to pomade for hair, there are pomades for your eyebrows too! It comes in a smaller tub and you can apply it with a little brush. You can easily alter the shape and size of your eyebrows.

PowderFinely milled pigments can also be used to deepen the color of your eyebrows. They also add dimension to your eyebrows. These pigments come in various shades and you can use two shades to give an effect to the eyebrows. Power is one of the foolproof ways to amp-up your eyebrows.

Color wandColor wands are also known as tinted brow gel. They are similar to mascara but for the eyebrows. Color wands are brow boosters and the touch ups are usually effortless and quick.

TattooingAs the permanent makeup trend catches on, tattooing for enhancing the look of eyebrows is growing in popularity. Be careful though – get a tattoo only when you are absolutely sure!

EmbroideryThis technique uses semi permanent pigment that is pushed into the skin using a knife. The pigment used is carefully chosen to imitate the growth of hair that you already have.

Some of these procedures require frequent touch ups and some don’t – you can take advice from an expert aesthetician and decide which procedure is perfect for your eyebrows.

Eyelash extensions are a pretty popular and common concept these days. Lash lift however is a more natural way of getting the same effect without too many gnarly side effects! Although both the techniques result in stunning looks, eyelash lifts are performed with shaped shields and thick cream solutions and is a newer and safer way to perform the service.

Here are a few steps that are followed while performing lash lifts:

• The very first step is to clean your lashes – thoroughly! You cannot have anything on them!• In the next step a silicone shield is applied to your eyelid. The technician applies the same adhesive to the top of the shield and brushes the natural lashes up to the shield to get a very precise shape. • After that, a little bit of lifting cream is applied for 8 – 12 minutes.• Finally, a setting lotion is applied for about five minutes and some nourishing oil is added.

The end result – you get those gorgeous eyelashes that you always wanted! It’s quite a relaxing experience and there aren’t any complications involved in the process. The good part is that everything is absolutely 100% natural – unlike extensions. Within a matter of minutes, you get those impressive lashes that appear longer and curled giving your face a dreamy look.

The entire process is painless, simple and non-invasive. Within a few minutes you can transform the way your face looks! You will continue to look into the mirror and feel good about yourself – ecstatic!

Hair cut or eyebrows – there’s never a one size fits all solution. The shape of your eyebrows usually depends on the shape of your face. Shaping your eyebrows according to the shape of your face not only emphasizes your eyes, but also makes you look younger – you look beautiful effortlessly! A perfect brow also makes you look fresh, rested, young, healthy and overall more attractive.

Here are a few face types and eyebrow trends that go well with them:

Square faceA square jaw accents the angularity of the face. For this kind of a face, rounded eyebrows are perfect. The eyebrows must not be too angular. Well, make sure that they are not too rounded – or it will end up looking like a rainbow!

Round faceFor a round face make sure that your brows are angular. An angled brow can bring out the facial bone structure that is lacking in a rounded face.

Long faceAll the features are vertically stretched out in a long face. It is important to stretch out and extend the tails of the eyebrows. This will really play up the horizontal features. The tails must extend beyond the corner of the eye.

Heart faceFor those with a heart shaped face, your eyebrows must be well manicured and exceptionally groomed. The eyebrows must balance the smaller chin and jaw line.

Oval faceFor a well proportioned oval face, a balanced brow is perfect. It looks classic on a oval face.

Above all, it’s a good idea to remember the three golden rules for eyebrows. First, the head of the brow should begin at the bridge of your nose. Second, each arch should be about two thirds of the way out. And third, never cut an eyebrow short!

Whether you are looking for eyebrow threading, eyebrow embroidery, HD eyebrows, eyebrow tattoos or eyebrow feathering, Contact me for further information or to book your appointment on maryam@maryamcollahi.com

The beauty industry has an overwhelming number of options that empower you to take control and reclaim your beauty. No more looking in the mirror and wishing things were different. But, any decision you take with regards to transforming your current looks must be taken with care and with the advice of experts. Beauty experts can analyze your requirements and give you a solution that will not only add beauty but will be a long term answer to all your queries.

Maryam Collahi comes with 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and has since then been on a mission to help every woman feel and look her best – every day and for every occasion! She has cultivated many unique techniques for permanent makeup, eyebrow threading and microblading. In fact she is one of the first and original eyebrow specialists in Vancouver. She does not believe in a one size fits all kind of a solution and ensures that each customer receives customized beauty solutions for their specific needs.

Maryam Collahi Studios announces a one of its kind – exclusive beauty seminar that will focus on skin, hair and health topics. Along with Maryam Collahi herself, you will get the opportunity to speak with the some of the most recognized professionals in the industry. You can gain knowledge on Microblading, Botox, Nutrition, Fitness, Permanent Hair Extensions, Makeup and more!

The event is held in the Vancouver Club on 6th Of July 2017 – Join us for a few drinks and a chance to win prizes too!

Speakers and highlights of the event:

Maryam Collahi – she is your one stop beauty expert who can meet your beauty needs with a keen eye for precision and elegance. She specializes in Eyebrow Threading and Microblading/Permanent Makeup.

Dr. Katie Beleznay – is a leading practitioner with both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Beleznay has special interests in the areas of acne and rosacea, photoprotection, injectables, and laser and light-based therapy.

Christine Rochard – is a competitive gymnast and is passionate about health, wellness and personal growth. Every session is customized to help individuals attain their fitness goals.

Ashlee Oldenburger – is a hair stylist and has worked with the world’s top fashion designers – including creating the greatest looks in the New York Fashion Week.

As we know it, Microblading is a permanent cosmetics for your eyebrows that creates perfectly natural looking, thick and full eyebrows. In this procedure, a pigment (that suits your eyebrow color and skin type) is applied with a special tool that has a row of several fine needles to create hair like strokes that fill the eyebrows. This pigment is applied just below the epidermis and creates a very natural look.

Post procedure care to support healingHowever, there are a lot of things to remember while it is healing. Avoid sweating – avoid sports, swimming; hot sauna, hot bath or Jacuzzi, sun tanning or salon tanning. Laser or chemical treatments need to be avoided. Further, avoid any creams or peels, especially containing Retin A or Glycol acid on the face or neck. Picking, peeling or scratching in the pigmented area in order to avoid scarring of the area or removal of the pigment. Avoid heavy household cleaning such as garage or basement cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris. Avoid alcohol as it slows down the healing. Driving open air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles or motor cycles and touching the eyebrow area need to be avoided. Before a shower apply a layer of post care cream to protect your eyebrows.​However, note that itching or flaking may appear during the first seven days post the procedure, but following the post care instructions religiously can help avoid any of these symptoms. Also, once completely healed, remember to apply sunscreen. It’s important that you never miss your touch up appointment!

The healing processThe new eyebrows will go through several phases during the healing process. You will know the final color only after three to four weeks after the treatment. Touch-ups or corrections in the shape or design of the brows are recommended only after four weeks of initial treatment. Be aware that the color will go from too dark to too light to – just perfect within that time.

Understand that immediately after the procedure, the pigment will appear very sharp and dark because the pigment takes some time to settle into the skin – it still will rest on the top of your skin. The harsh look will soften gradually as time passes and a more subtle – natural look is obtained. It’s important to remember not to be alarmed if you see some pigment on the cotton swab. This is the pigment and the body fluid that is naturally exiting your skin.

Further, do not worry if you see dandruff like flakes or dry skin. This is a part of the healing process itself. After five to twelve days, you will notice that you eyebrows are of the lightest color. This is because, at this time, the color is absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin. The skin cells then push it back to the upper layers of the skin.

Once the healing is completed – you will see a set of perfect looking eyebrows emerge!